to allow a colony (= a country or area governed by a more powerful country) to become independent
Example:
- The conflict dates back to the time the continent was decolonized.
- It seemed that Britain had decolonized almost entirely in a mere quarter of a century.
to free an institution or area of activity from the cultural and social effects of colonization by freeing it from the influences and attitudes of more powerful countries and ethnic groups
Example:
- Some students and staff believe there is an urgent need to decolonize the curriculum, for example by studying more works by writers of colour.